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Hiddink gives verdict on time in charge of Chelsea

Guus Hiddink has provided a self-assessment of his performance as Chelsea interim manager for the second time.

Hiddink won the 2009 FA Cup in his first spell as caretaker and lost just one game.

But, seven years on, his second spell has seen just one home win in the Premier League ahead of Monday’s match with Tottenham, who are without a win at Chelsea in 26 years but need one this time to keep the title race alive.

Hiddink restored stability following a turbulent start under Jose Mourinho, but when asked to mark his spell out of 10, he declined.

“I’m not easily happy about myself,” he said.

“I came here in difficult circumstances. It’s easy for me to say, ‘Ah it’s the past…’ (but) I’m not a person to blame.

“I had to restore the confidence and more in this team and club.

“It’s difficult to give a figure (out of 10). I’m happy the team reacted when we were in a desperate situation, when people in this house started sweating, because there are experiences in the past where big clubs can go down as well.

“From there on I’m satisfied with the reaction of the team.

“(But) I would’ve loved to have gone into the next round of Champions League and the FA Cup final – if that had happened I would give myself a 10 plus.”

Hiddink, whose side exited to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 and were beaten by Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final, has often said he expects this season to be his last as a day-to-day boss.

The Dutchman says he and the players wish to finish a disappointing season well.

“We’ve had meetings about that. They must finish it in an honourable way,” Hiddink added.